Randy Newman
Randy Newman
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Randy Newman is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and composer best known for his distinctive voice and clever, often satirical lyrics.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Newman is still active in the music industry today.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Newman's nationality is American, and he has worked as a singer-songwriter, musician, and composer throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for writing songs for film and television, as well as releasing albums under his own name.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of musicians – his father, Alfred Newman, was a renowned composer who scored music for numerous films – Randy developed an interest in music from an early age. He attended Harvard University before dropping out to pursue a career in music. This decision would ultimately lead him to become one of the most respected and beloved songwriters of his generation.
#### Major Accomplishments
Newman has released 15 studio albums, with many receiving critical acclaim for their unique blend of wit, satire, and musical innovation. Some standout releases include _Sail Away_ (1970), _Good Old Boys_ (1974), and _Land of Dreams_ (1988). His music often explores themes of politics, social commentary, and personal relationships.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some of Newman's most notable works include:
"Short People" (1977) – a satirical song about prejudice against short-statured individuals
"I Love L.A." (1983) – a tongue-in-cheek ode to the city of Los Angeles
* Toy Story (1995) and its sequels – Newman wrote several memorable songs for the beloved animated franchise, including "You've Got a Friend in Me"
#### Impact and Legacy
Randy Newman's impact on popular music cannot be overstated. His unique voice, clever lyrics, and genre-bending style have influenced countless artists across multiple genres. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Newman's songs often contain quotes, phrases, or ideas that resonate with listeners long after the music itself fades from memory. His lyrics frequently capture the complexities and nuances of human experience in a way that is both humorous and insightful. As such, he remains widely quoted and remembered as one of the most talented and innovative songwriters of his generation.
Quotes by Randy Newman
Randy Newman's insights on:
'Rednecks' always made me nervous to play, but I'm glad I wrote it and I continue to play it. It's just that the language is so rough.
My music has a high irritation factor. I've always tried to say something. Eccentric lyrics about eccentric people. Often it was a joke. But I would plead guilty on the grounds that I prefer eccentricity to the bland.
I started recording because I was always complaining about the records that I was getting of my songs. At least if I did them and messed them up, I wouldn’t have anyone else to blame.
My music has a high irritation factor. I’ve always tried to say something. Eccentric lyrics about eccentric people. Often it was is joke. But I would plead guilty on the grounds that I prefer eccetricity to the bland.
I once had dinner with Madonna and I wasn’t nervous but within about a minute I found myself talking about underwear.
But I don’t want to sing everything out of the side of my mouth, I want people to understand what I mean.
I’ve often written about places that are totally different from anything I know. Sometimes they turn out better.
I am not overlooking any mail. I’m looking at all of it. I even wrote back to the Viagra people.
Yes, Baby... I’ve been drinkin’... I shouldn’t come by I know... but I found myself in trouble, darlin’... and I have no place else to go. Honey I’m guilty... yes I’m guilty... and I’ll be guilty for the rest of my life. How come I never do, what I’m supposed to do. Nothin’ I try to do ever turns out right. You know how it is with me baby, I just can’t stand myself... it takes a whole lotta medicine, darlin’... for me to pretend that I’m somebody else.